Interested in becoming a volunteer Relationship Counsellor for Marriage Care?
Want to learn new skills and make a difference to people’s lives? Would you like the opportunity to train in relationship counselling and to guide couples with professional, effective support?
Our next Certificate in Relationship Counselling (CRC) training course will begin in March 2027.
Relationship Counsellor Role
Marriage Care believe that supporting couple relationships is a matter of social justice as poor relationships lead to greater inequalities in our society. Our relationship counsellors enable those in need to access professional counselling – regardless of their ability to pay – by providing two counselling sessions per week on a voluntary basis.
Please note that there are costs associated with training on our CRC, including a non-refundable registration fee of around £175. These costs, which are outlined in the drop down menu below, are subject to minor changes and are far lower than with alternative training providers. In line with our ethos as a charity, no one is excluded on the basis of their ability to pay. What we ask in return is your commitment to us and our clients.
To apply please read through the information on this webpage and then click on ”Apply Now” at the bottom of the page and complete our online application form.
If you have any questions please contact Rachel Marsh at: rachel@marriagecare.org.uk
The deadline for applications is the 30th June.
I am already a qualified counsellor. How can I join Marriage Care?
Qualified counsellors follow almost the same route as those who are not qualified, undertaking our CRC course, including placement hours, to become fully qualified and experienced as a Relationship Counsellor
Visit our Pathways to Marriagecare – Marriage Care webpage to find out more about our recruitment routes.
Do qualified counsellors get paid?
All of our counsellors are volunteers. Marriage Care provides ongoing CPD, supervision, local/regional support, travel expenses and insurance. Trainee counsellors do not have to find their own placements or clients – this is managed by our appointments service.
How much time am I expected to give?
We ask all of our counsellors to give a minimum of 2 counselling sessions per week. You should be aware that there are additional time commitments – a minimum of 1.5 hours supervision per month, for example, and time for academic work and training, if you are a trainee, and CPD if you are qualified.
How long is Marriage Care’s counselling training course?
We are in the process of reviewing our course, and so the precise course length is to be confirmed. However, you can expect the academic phase of training to take up to two years, part-time. The CRC is awarded when all the academic requirements have been met and 160 hours counselling hours completed.
How much does the training cost?
Our counselling trainers are volunteers and give their time free of charge, however, we do ask for a contribution towards costs of running the training, and always welcome donations. We are a charity that does not receive any government funding, and who relies upon the fees and donations that we attract for our services, as well as fundraising, to provide our relationship support.
A non-refundable deposit of £175 will be payable within 14 days of selection in order to secure a place on the training course. Selected candidates will also be invited to set up a monthly standing order donation to go towards the cost of their accommodation and meals at the residential elements of the course. We are suggesting £40 per month (plus gift aid) for the duration of the training course. This is a donation, not a fee, and as such is at the discretion of the individual. We do not want anyone to be excluded based on their ability to pay and equally, if someone feels they can donate more, that would be very welcome.
The residential element of the training is not optional, and trainees will be required to pay their own travel expenses.
How much counselling experience will I need to have before I join the course?
Our courses are designed for those with no prior experience, although we do suggest that you undertake an ‘Introduction to Counselling’, or similar, course before commencing our training.
Read our pathways to qualification with us for more information.
What do I do next?
Contact Rachel Marsh: rachel@marriagecare.org.uk if you are
interested in our training. Discover more about the various pathways according to your prior
counselling experience.
Placements at Marriage Care?
Unfortunately, due to a lack of resources, Marriage Care is unable to offer counselling placements to students on external courses. The BACP has a placement data base (for BACP student members only) which might be helpful.
Is Marriage Care’s counselling course BACP-accredited?
Although our course is closely aligned with BACP’s list of competencies for Column A, and our service is informed by the BACP’s Ethical Framework, we are not a BACP-accredited course. This means that, as with many courses, you may have to take some additional steps post-qualification in order to achieve their Certificate of Proficiency. Marriage Care’s Certificate in Relationship Counselling has enjoyed validation from York St. John University, and will soon receive further validation from St. Mary’s University College Belfast.
Will I be able to set up a private practice when I qualify with Marriage Care?
Many of our counsellors have done this, but usually after building experience first and deepening their basic knowledge and skills with further CPD.
Can I train on the CRC whilst undertaking training on another course?
We regret that we cannot accept applicants who will be training on another counselling course whilst undertaking the CRC.
Can I train on the CRC whilst working full time?
Yes, it is possible to complete the CRC whilst working full time, but it is challenging. Please read all the information provided to gauge whether the CRC is right for you at this time and feel free to ask any questions at any stage.
What is the training course like and how long does it take?
We are in the process of reviewing our course, and so the precise course length is to be confirmed. However, you can expect the academic phase of training to take up to two years, part-time. The CRC is awarded when all the academic requirements have been met and 160 hours counselling practice is completed. People reach this point at different times.
We use a mixed method of delivery – in-person, webcam and online sessions over approximately 18 months of academic input. This will include up to six residential weekends. There is coursework and a couple of lengthier assignments, as well as participation in skills practice groups outside of taught sessions.
There will be a minimum of 130 taught hours, of which a minimum of 70% is delivered in person.
Counselling training can also be emotionally intense and can bring to the surface issues and past life experiences – it requires vulnerability and courage not just intellectual effort. This is why we also recommend that trainees be in personal therapy for at least some of the duration of the course.
To apply for the CRC Counsellor role please click on the button below and fill in the application form
Apply Now